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Business Training is available from a variety of organizations and consultants:
1) Franklin County CDC
Offers a combination of business classes and workshops
Free Information Sessions - Explore Going Into Business and Business Resources
This free 1 1/2 hour session informs people interested in going into business or taking a hobby to the next level. If you are interested in using the Food Processing Center, this is your first step! Topics include:
*Is business ownership right for you?
*Business resources available
*The importance of developing a business plan
*Tour of the Food Processing Center
*Information about starting a food business.
Usually the first Wednesday of the month, the next sessions will be:
August 4, 3:30-5pm FCCDC, Greenfield
Sept 1, 3:30-5pm FCCDC, Greenfield
Oct 6, 3:30-5pm FCCDC, Greenfield
Nov 3, 3:30-5pm FCCDC, Greenfield
Free but registration requested or email
Securing Business Financing
This free 2 hour session is offered to help entrepreneurs develop plans for obtaining financing. Participants will learn about the lending process, red flags for lending, borrowing in this environment, sources of financing the choices and differences of lenders, lending tips to be aware of, personal credit issues, FAQ and a case study that highlights some of these issues.
Sept 23, 8:30 am-10:30 am, Shelburne Falls
Nov 4, 9 am-11 am, FCCDC, Greenfield
Free but registration requested
How to Think About - and Feel About - Succession in Your Family Business
You create a business, and before you know it is time to think about what to do next. This interactive workshop begins to identify the process of evaluating next steps in a family business including the personal, emotional, and financial impacts that are loaded with challenging issues with long lasting impacts.
Presenter Ira Bryck is Director of the UMass Family Business Center at the UMass Amherst Continuing & Professional Education. The center provides a non-commercial, interactive learning community for business families in Western New England and beyond.
Wednesday September 22, 6-8pm, FCCDC
Fee: $10 business Register Refreshments served
Cosponsored with Franklin County CDC, Shelburne Falls Area Business Assoc, Montague Business Assoc, Greenfield Business Assoc
Marketing Strategies: Incorporating an Internet Plan
Learn how to and actually set up a Google account, Facebook and LinkedIn profile. Find out why businesses are using these tools. Explore further how the internet can be part of a business marketing strategy. $10
September 29, 6-9 pm,FCCDC
Register here
Financing Your Food Business
This free 1 ½ hour workshop informs specialty food business owners about developing a business plan in addition to what lenders are looking for and how best to prepare for obtaining financing. Free
November 17, 3-5pm, FCCDC
Free Register here
Financing Strategies
Hear from a panel of local lenders who will talk about lending options, current trends, and federal programs providing more awareness about the lending process. Free
New Mass Personal Information Privacy Laws
On March 1, 2010 New Standards for the Protection of Personal Information of Residents of the Commonwealth goes into effect and all businesses must comply - regardless of the size or location of your business. The FCCDC is hosting seminars to introduce the
rules and give businesses the information they need to be in compliance.
If you receive payments by check or credit card, keep social security or drivers license information for your employees, customers or vendors, you will need to understand the new requirements.
Business Plan Training
Plan for Success: Business Planning for New and Established Entrepreneurs
In this twelve-week (36 hours) class is an opportunity for serious business owners to complete a business plan for starting and sustaining a business. Topics Include: Exploring your business idea & entrepreneurship, analyzing personal resources, developing a mission statement, legal structures, market research tools, marketing strategies, financial overview, income expense projection, cash flow projections, income expense balance sheet projections, financing alternatives, executive summary & supporting Documents. Individual assistance is provided.
This class is usually offered in the Spring and Fall. The next class will be starting Sept 21, 2010 and will be on Tuesdays from 6 - 9 pm at the FCCDC in Greenfield. If you would like to find out more sign up here
More classes and workshops in our training calendar
2) MA Small Business Development Network
Workshop and Class Schedule
3) SCORE Western MA
Workshop and Class Schedule
4) Greenfield Community College
Business classes and workshops are offered year round
5) Business Associations
Business associations provide another opportunity for networking and marketing:
Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce
Shelburne Falls Area Business Association
Greenfield Business Association
Montague Business Association |
